Madame Tussauds entertains SEA LIFE Sydney’s Pig the Dugong during lockdown

With SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium temporarily closed due to COVID, Pig the Dugong - who usually thrives from seeing thousands of guests walk through the tunnels each week - is receiving enrichment activity in new and challenging ways to ensure he’s kept stimulated. 

This morning, Pig the Dugong received a visit from Lady Gaga, Albert Einstein, and Zendaya, as the three stars took a short trip from their usual residence at Madame Tussauds to visit the Dugong next door at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Pig is one of only two dugongs in human care in the world and has called SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium home since late 2008. Pig was rescued from Forrest Beach in North Queensland when he became separated from his mother at a very young age. After a period of rehabilitation, Pig was released back into the wild. However, when he was found on a beach again, the decision was made not to re-release him for fears that he wouldn’t survive.

Emma Malik, Animal Trainer at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium explains “Pig really enjoys interacting with people and he’s intelligent enough to recognise individuals and faces. With the aquarium now being closed to the public for 10 weeks, Pig’s not seeing the usual variety of visitors and we thought we could fix that with a visit from a few stars!

“The celebrity visitors certainly piqued Pig’s interest and he was very curious in the stars. Despite Lady Gaga’s colourful ensemble, Pig was far more interested in Albert Einstein – we think it might be because he resembles one of his previous carers.”

As part of Pig’s daily husbandry care, the Dugong team organise a range of enrichment activities – including physical exercise, mental challenges, games, and the introduction of new toys.

In line with the NSW Government restrictions, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Sydney remain temporarily closed until Wed 30th September, but the dedicated staff continues to work to care for all their animals and look forward to welcoming guests back when the doors are open.